WLGS 42 Binny Craig (RIGS) [NT 0432 7346] –(Figure 142), (Figure 143), (Figure 144), (Figure 145)

WLC site description

Part of the Quartz-dolerite sills and dykes group of sites

Other designations: AGLV; AWI; WS (close to Mains Burns)

Binny Craig is a prominent landmark situated in the grounds of Oatridge Agricultural College at Ecclesmachan, north-west of Broxburn. It is best known for being a spectacular example of a Crag and Tail landform (Figure 142). The 'Crag' is formed from the Binny Craig Sill, a fine- grained quartz-dolerite (strictly basalt) sill which has intruded the West Lothian Oil-shale Formation. The sill dips at 250 to the east and forms the cliffs on the west side of the hill and the dip slope to the east. Outrops of the basalt are extensive and display some columnar jointing (Figure 141) and exposures of the baked oil-shales also occur (Figure 145). On a clear day the summit (altitude 220 m) affords an excellent panorama (Figure 144) from the Lammermuir Hills, Pentland Hills and Culter Fell in the south-east through to Ben Lomond and other Highland hills to the north-west.There is a RIGS leaflet which describes the landform, geology and other natural history features of the site.

(Figure 142) Panoramic view Binny Craig from the south — a classic 'Crag and Tail' landform sculpted from a basalt sill intruding the West Lothian Oil Shale Formation. 'Crag' on left and 'Tail' on right [NT 0432 7346] (WLGS 42).

(Figure 143) Binny Craig Sill displaying columnar jointing in basalt. Binny Craig [NT 0432 7346] (WLGS 42).

(Figure 144) View south from Binny Craig summit [NT 0432 7346] (WLGS 42) to the Pentland Hills

(Figure 145) Basalt of the Binny Craig Sill overlying baked shales of the West Lothian Oil shale Formation [NT 0432 7346] (WLGS 42).